Courtney Waters delivered a forceful speech on the floor of the South Carolina House of Representatives recently, challenging what she described as misinformation about race, hiring practices, and diversity initiatives.
In remarks later shared on Instagram, Waters argued that claims suggesting Black Americans are hired primarily because of race are false and harmful.
“Just because we say a thing doesn’t make it true,” Waters said during the debate. “That is offensive not only because it’s a silly thing to say, but it shows a lack of homework having been done.”
Debate During Budget Week
The comments came during discussions tied to budget week in the South Carolina legislature, where lawmakers are debating amendments and funding priorities affecting state programs.
Waters, a Democrat, criticized what she described as recurring talking points from conservatives that she said misrepresent the purpose of diversity efforts and programs serving historically disadvantaged communities.
In a post accompanying the video, she wrote that lawmakers should focus on “substantive changes for South Carolinians,” instead of spending time fighting misinformation.
“The gaslighting simply goes too far,” Waters said in the post, adding that she believes the Black community has already “lost enough” under current political leadership.
Addressing Affirmative Action Claims
During her speech, Waters addressed common arguments surrounding Affirmative Action, stating that race alone does not determine hiring decisions.
“It is not the case now, nor has it ever been the case that Black people—men or women—are hired simply because of our race,” she said.
Waters explained that in policies historically associated with affirmative action, candidates must still meet qualifications before race is ever considered as one factor among many.
She also argued that diversity can benefit organizations economically and strategically.
Waters pointed to major corporations such as Google and Amazon, saying diverse workplaces often perform better because different perspectives strengthen decision-making.
“Iron sharpens iron,” she said.
Program Scope Already Expanded
Waters also addressed debate over a state organization whose mission previously focused on minority communities but has since been broadened to include rural and socioeconomically disadvantaged populations.
According to Waters, critics had previously pushed for those changes.
“The mission was already watered down as it pertains to doing anything for Black folks solely,” she said, noting that the program now addresses broader economic challenges affecting multiple communities.
Broader Political Context
The debate reflects larger national conversations about diversity initiatives, affirmative action policies, and how government programs address inequality and economic opportunity.
In recent years, discussions about diversity and equity efforts have intensified in legislatures across the United States, with some policymakers seeking to reduce or eliminate such programs while others defend them as necessary tools to address longstanding disparities.
Waters’ remarks have since circulated widely online, with supporters praising her for confronting misinformation while critics argue that diversity policies themselves should be reconsidered.
